Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
7/15/2008 4:05:59 PM EDT
hello;

using lee dies.  the die that bells the case only allows a belling of .003".  normal?  not able to reload lead bullets because the case "shaves" the side of the bullet.  suggestion?  thanks for any input.

rp
7/15/2008 5:03:33 PM EDT
[#1]
Flare the case some more.  If your die looks like the one I have on the shlf, turn the die into the press a bit deeper.
7/15/2008 9:36:28 PM EDT
[#2]
For normal 3 die pistol sets............


Adjusting the expander die
First, run the shell holder to the top of its stroke, then screw the expander die into the press until it touches the shell holder and tighten the large lock ring. Lower the shell holder, place a resized case in the shell holder, and run it fully into the expander die. Check the mouth of the case. It should be expanded and belled just enough to accept a new bullet. Excessive belling of the mouth shortens case life. If the case needs more or less expansion, loosen the lock nut at the top of the die and screw the tapered expander plug up or down until the correct amount of belling at the mouth of the case is achieved, then re-tighten the lock nut.


Taken from......

www.chuckhawks.com/adjust_reloading_dies.htm

_________________________________________________

IF it's the LEE Powder through expander die........there are different instructions.  But, the idea and thought process, is similar.

Aloha, Mark
7/16/2008 12:20:37 AM EDT
[#3]
My 9MM dies aren’t Lee, but I do have a .380 ACP Lee set.  Its expander mikes at a maximum of .365, which makes me think your expander is probably a bit small.

I’d give Lee a call.

Alternatively, Lee sells an inexpensive universal expanding die that certainly would give you as much flare as you wanted.  However, you can’t run powder through it.
7/16/2008 4:18:35 AM EDT
[#4]
I bought the Lee Universal expander die.  I load a lot of lead in various rounds and found the expander in my original set did the same as the OP's.
7/16/2008 11:36:00 AM EDT
[#5]

Does the problem occur with only certain brands of brass? Cause some brands of brass is thicker (or thinner) than others.

Also, it can be, that the "expander" is out of spec. (small).   Mfn tolerance, Q.C. and all that.

IIRC, there is a certain brand (die mfn) that sells a specific expander for lead bullets.  Though, when you think about it, most mfns (IF not all) would be better off selling a "standard 3 die pistol set" that could expand enough for both, lead or jacketed bullets.  

Thus, I'd say, "Try, more adjustment, first."

Aloha, Mark
7/16/2008 3:17:32 PM EDT
[#6]
solved problem.  looking inside the expanding dies, there appears what looks like a flange.   thought this flange was resticting the expanding the case.  was wrong.  all i had to do screw down more the adjustment screw.  live and learn.  thanks for all inputs.

rp
Armory Sponsor